7 Best Insect Repellents

We tested the best insect repellents on the market for 2023 and this is how they performed.

We tested the best insect repellents on the market today according to price, weight, packability, and effectiveness. Read on to see how they performed, which is best for you, and receive some valuable buying advice.

Best Insect Repellents

The best insect repellents are:

  • Best Overall Insect Repellent: SAWYER 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
  • Best Lightweight and Packable Insect Repellent: BEN'S 100 Max Pump Spray
  • Best Natural Insect Repellent: REPEL Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Mosquito Repellent
  • Best Insect Repellent for Clothing & Gear Treatment: SAWYER Permethrin Fabric Treatment

Learn more about each of these repellent options, written by Justin Sprecher here.

LAST UPDATED

February 10, 2025

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Greenbelly

Media Mentions from Greenbelly

Ready-to-eat backpacking meals that provide about 1/3 of your daily nutrition. All natural ingredients. Darn tasty.

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Media Mentions

This stuff flat-out works and this bottle from Sawyer is easy to apply, lasts for six weeks or six washes, and is less than $20.

Fly Lords
Media Mentions from Fly Lords

Media Mentions

Smart backpackers now combine a lightweight filter like the Sawyer Squeeze with chemical tablets as backup – a system that processes water from alpine streams and desert potholes alike.

Brave Words
Editorial Team

Media Mentions

This insect repellant's permethrin spray provides long-lasting insect and tick protection for clothing and gear, effective for up to 6 weeks.

Adam Oram
Senior Editor